In Arturo Vivante's short story, "Can-Can", a malcontent husband seeks away from his wife to have secluded affairs with another mistress named Sarah. The man's wife is a fun-loving mother who enjoys spending with her family. On the other hand, Sarah, is a frivolous office worker who is almost impossible to get in touch with. For seeking relations with Sarah, the husband is clearly looking for someone completely opposite of his wife.
In the begging, the wife is portrayed as a beautiful and caring mother. This convivial woman is depicted dancing with her children, "...at which she held up her skirt and did the "Can-Can", kicking her legs up high in his direction" (Vivante 1). Although she seemed perfect, she did have a flaw, "She wasn't the least bit inquisitive, though jealous she was in silent, subtle ways." (Vivante 1).
Then there is Sarah, the other woman. She is also married yet is apprehensive of the affair. Being very hard to get a hold of, "I had almost given up hope", said the husband after trying to set up multiple arrangements. Yet Vivante describes this selfish woman to be envious of the wife as she says to her secret lover, "Oh,...for a moment I was afraid you were thinking of your wife." (Vivante 2).
In conclusion, jealousy of the husband is the only correlation between these two women. Although their personalities are completely polar, the husband is their weakness.
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